Bill > HB156

This bill allows voters who are not affiliated with any political party, known as unaffiliated voters, to join a political party and vote in that party's primary election. Specifically, unaffiliated voters can now request to affiliate with a political party at an early voting center or at their precinct polling place on Election Day during a primary election. After affiliating, they will be issued a provisional ballot, which is a ballot cast when there's a question about a voter's eligibility, for their chosen party. An election judge will first verify that the voter resides in the county where they are attempting to vote before issuing the provisional ballot. This change will apply to all elections starting with the statewide primary election in 2028.

Education, Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0156?ys=2026RS